Friday, October 16, 2026

The Courage to Keep Caring

By Gord O'Coin, CLAC Regional Director

There are days when I arrive at work feeling ready to take on whatever is ahead. There are also days when I look at the number of emails, phone calls, meetings, and issues waiting for my attention and wonder how everything will get done. I think most of us have experienced both kinds of days. Work can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding, especially when several things require our attention at the same time.

When I think about passion, I used to picture excitement and enthusiasm. I imagined someone who was eager to get to work every morning and ready to take on every challenge. While passion can certainly look like that, I have come to realize that it can also be much quieter. Sometimes passion is simply continuing to care when the work is difficult. It is showing up, doing your best, and continuing to look for a way forward when the solution is not obvious.

In the work we do, many situations require patience, understanding, and compassion. We work with members who may be frustrated, disappointed, worried about their future, or simply looking for someone to listen. They may be hoping for a quick solution, but the answer is not always simple. Sometimes we need to explain what can be done, what cannot be done, and what steps need to happen next.

There are also times when the pressure comes from within our own workplace. When our team is smaller than usual, or several demands arise at once, the workload can suddenly feel overwhelming. The phones continue to ring, emails continue to arrive, meetings still need to happen, and members still need support. Even when everyone is working hard, it can feel like the list of things to do is growing faster than we can complete it.

I have experienced days when the demands of the work felt heavier than usual. Those days can be difficult, especially when I know that others are feeling the same pressure. It is easy to focus on everything that remains unfinished and forget about everything that has already been accomplished. Recognizing that the pressure is real does not mean we care any less about our work. In many ways, it shows how much we care and how much we want to do things well.

These are the moments when compassion and courage become important. Compassion means extending understanding to the members we serve, our coworkers, and ourselves. Sometimes it means checking in with a colleague, helping to prioritize the most urgent tasks, or recognizing that something may take longer than expected. Courage means being honest when we need help or when everything cannot be done immediately. It also means having difficult conversations and focusing on what matters most instead of trying to carry everything alone.

Working for a union gives this work a deeper sense of responsibility. Behind every phone call, email, grievance, meeting, or negotiation is a person who may be trying to support their family, protect their job, or find a way through a difficult time. Remembering this helps me stay focused on why the work matters.

Passion does not mean every day is easy. It means caring enough to keep trying. We may not control every situation, but we can control how we respond. Sometimes the greatest difference we make is helping someone feel heard, respected, and supported.

The Courage to Keep Caring

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